Click, click you’re in

Media release 14 November 2004

Watching and learning opens a door to better security for a Brisbane inventor

It was a spate of thefts in a nearby block of flats that first gave Brisbane inventor Steve Turner the idea for a remote control, keyless door entry system.

Five years later his system, CentraLock, is ready to go. It fits onto existing locks, and allows keyless entry and exit from home or office using a hydraulic door closer and opener. Best of all it requires no expensive computers or other infrastructure.

“I was living opposite this block of flats,” says Steve, “where the elderly residents regularly left their front doors open or unlocked. They would duck out with the rubbish, or to hang up the washing or pop next door for a cuppa. The opportunity was taken by some youths and many handbags and wallets were snatched.”

The reaction of the government department responsible for the block of flats was to install security doors and screens. While the residents were initially quite vigilant about locking their new doors and windows, over time they began to feel less threatened, and became lax. The thieves returned.

“I asked myself,” says Steve. “Why isn’t there a simple keyless entry system, like on cars, that could be retrofitted to houses, which would allow you to come in from school with bags of groceries? It would eliminate the fumbling for the right key in the bundle.

“So I started working on things in my garage.”

Steve’s innovation won him a place at Fresh Innovators, a national competition where 16 early-career innovators present their work to the public, students, businesses and the media. The participant who best meets the criteria of the program wins a study tour to the UK courtesy of British Council Australia.

“CentraLock is backed up by a rechargeable battery so you are never locked into or out of your house. If you lose the door remote, replacements can be ordered and uniquely coded for your system. And there is no risk of your remote control opening your neighbour’s door, because each system is individually coded and prevents anyone copying your code by recoding the system every time it is operated.”

During development, the system was evaluated by well-known international lock manufacturer Lockwood Security Products. It received a very positive review.

“It’s great to see my invention almost on the shelf. I think it’s ideal for senior citizens and the disabled, and would solve the problem I first saw five years ago.”

About the Inventor

Steve Turner is an inventor who recently completed an Education degree with honours. He now teaches Design and Technology at a high school, and is working on his PhD at Griffith University.

Prototype available for viewing.

For interview or more information: Steve Turner 07 3219 6856 /0410 606 437

Photos:

		Click click you're in
CentraLock as fitted to your door
		The brains inside